Worm Digest - Re:harvesting/setting up new bin

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Chana
User

A Hatchling Earthworm

Posts: 14

harvesting/setting up new bin - 2008/04/29 17:40 Hi All
I am ready for my first harvest of vermicompost/castings.My question is how to set up new bin.My 1st been has peat moss as bedding(came with my kit).I want to use the rabbit beding/manure from my rabbit litter boxes-I have it sitting for a couple months(composting).I assume I have to use some of the present bedding mixed with new.Anything I should know before I do this?
thanks-Chana

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Marshall

User

A Protected Species Earthworm

Posts: 137

Re:harvesting/setting up new bin - 2008/04/29 19:58 Chana,
I always use corrugated cardboard and shredded newspaper. Sometimes I pick up dry leaves from the lane nearby and add those.

Your rabbit bedding sounds good. I would leave out the peat moss. No need to buy bedding when you have a supply free of charge. Peat moss is a non renewable resource anyway and we shouldn't be wasting it.

Regards,
Marshall Age and treachery will always overcome youth and skill

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gnosnhoj

User

A Protected Species Earthworm

Posts: 474

Re:harvesting/setting up new bin - 2008/04/29 20:09 Whenever I harvest vc from a bin, I prep the new one as a brand new bin - new bedding materials mixed and proper moisture level. My base mix is shredded paper, cardboard & leaves, soaked, wrung out and unclumped.
What you use for new bedding is your call, but I like my new stuff to be really loose & fluffy, adding denser bedding / chow after the herd gets re-settled for a few days. Pre-composted poop oughta be fine if mixed with other stuff.
As you sort / screen your harvest, you'll find some bedding that ain't quite done. That goes right into your new bin, along with the worms. That should intro all the microherd you'll need to get 'em going again, but I'd feed less & slower until the new bin gets back up to speed. Y'all have fun, whatever you're doing.
Gary
Hopkinsville, KY

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Kori
User

A Juvenile Earthworm

Posts: 42

Re:harvesting/setting up new bin - 2008/04/29 22:03 As far as the rabbit poop, you don't need to let that sit and compost. I mix mine right with my shredded paper and cardboard. Rabbit poop does not heat up. I hear it is great food for the worms too.

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Chana
User

A Hatchling Earthworm

Posts: 14

Re:harvesting/setting up new bin - 2008/04/29 22:07 how can you tell what is not quite done? I see that the compost is stickier than the original peat moss and is quite dark.Now that I think about it,I don't remember what the bedding looked like originally.I got my worms and kit from Uncle Jim's.I should tell him not to use peat moss-I had no idea it isnt sustainable(I bet some one has told him)Anyway thanks for all the help
Chana

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gnosnhoj

User

A Protected Species Earthworm

Posts: 474

Re:harvesting/setting up new bin - 2008/04/29 22:33 Chana wrote:
how can you tell what is not quite done?
I use a big cat-poop scooper and a 1/4" screen. If it doesn't make it through those with a bit of shaking and rubbing to break up clumps, it's not ready and goes to the new bin. If I can identify specific things I've used as bedding (i.e. cardboard), or chow, that goes to the new bin.
It is really your decision - if you consider it done for your purposes, then it's done. Y'all have fun, whatever you're doing.
Gary
Hopkinsville, KY

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